i donate to the senior center, hospice, the womens resource center and the fire department locally. there are plenty of residents in facilities who have no family-who would appreciate the 'gift' but remember if you donate to a facility the item will go through the facility laundry- which means washed in hot water- dried in a large commercial dryer- they do not have time to give certain items special care- so make sure the item will hold up to that kind of care. assisted living residents also have needs.